Volubilis.
Roman ruins with a long life
Volubilis was a Roman settlement
constructed on what was probably a Carthaginian city, dating from 3rd century BC.
Volubilis was a central administrative city for this part of Roman Africa,
responsible for the grain producing in this fertile region, and exports to Rome.
Volubilis was also administering contacts with the Berber tribes which the
Romans never managed to suppress, but who only came as far as to cooperate with
the Romans for mutual benefits.
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Unlike
so many other Roman cities, Volubilis was not abandoned after the Romans lost
their foothold in this part of Africa in the 3rd century. Even the Latin
language survived for centuries, and as not replaced before the Arabs conquered
North Africa in the late 7th century.
People
continued to live in Volubilis for more than 1,000 years more. Volubilis was
first abandoned in the 18th century, when it was demolished in order to provide
for building materials for the construction of the palaces of Moulay Ismail in
nearby Meknes. If that demolishing
had not arrived, Volubilis could have become one of the best preserved Roman
sites anywhere.
The
main area of Volubilis, and the only area that really attracts visitors,
Moroccans and foreigners, is no more than 800 x 600 metres (measured by the
walls). And if you carry a good guide book, none of the guides at the gate is
needed. Much of the best excavations have been moved to the Archaeological
Museum close to the royal palace in Rabat, but Volubilis offers ruins of quite
good quality, and about 30 high quality mosaics that still stand in their
original place. There is an admission fee for entering the Volubilis of about 20
dh.
Volubilis.
Triumphal arch
No Roman town
of any particular size could be without the important military and seremonical
structure of the triumphal arch. In Volubilis it is placed at the end of the
main street Decumanus Maximus. And after the triumphal arch there is nothing to
be found of ancient ruins, only fields and grass. Its size is not the most
impressive, but it is in good shape, and is striking if you step out into the
fields of no ruins and look back at it.
Volubilis.
The forum
The forum of
Volubilis is typical to the Roman town. But with a population of about 20.000,
it still achieved impressive size. The columns still standing here are more than
high enough to dwarf most people.
Volubilis.
The basilica
The basiica of
Volubilis is very impressive, and even if there is not much beyond walls an
columns left of it, there will be no problems for you to imagine what it looked
like when it was in full shape. Its walls rise above you more than 10 metres and
are often in so good shape that you easily get the feeling that you are back
2,000 years in time.
Volubilis.
The garden
The garden of
Volubilis is also an attraction around here that should not be overlooked. And
how can you? After you buy your ticket you will have to pass through it on your
way to the ruins. It is however a place to stop up, not only because of the bits
and parts from the ancient city that are put up here, but also because it is
such a fresh spot with trees and brooks.
Volubilis.
Mosaics
Volubilis is
definitely an ancient Roman city where you should be careful about keeping a
good eye with the ground. There are many mosaics here and an impressive quantity
of them are in excellent conditions. Practically all that are of much value are
fenced in, but not more than what allows them to be easily looked at.
Ironically
all are fenced in in order to save them from the wear and tear of visitors' feet
and shoes. Yet, the mosaics are really nothing more than decorated floors.
There
are mainly three houses that you should stop by: House of the Euphebus right
next to the triumphal arch; the House of Orpheus to the south near the olive oil
presses; and the house of Dionysus near the Decumanus Maximus.
Volubilis.
Looking at Moulay Idriss
From Volubilis there is nothing more than 4 km and a valley before you get to
Moulay Idriss, Morocco's most important Islamic city.
